| Intro | Ugandan singer |
| Was | Singer |
| From | Uganda |
| Type | Music |
| Gender | male |
| Birth | 1955, Uganda |
| Death |
14 August 2006 (aged 51 years) |
Jimmy Katumba (1956 – 2006) was a Ugandan popular music singer. Starting out as a singer of gospel music in his early years, he rose to fame as the country’s premier pop star from late seventies to the nineties. With a string of hits that charted from the late seventies to the late 90’s, Jimmy Katumba played a definitive role in changing the shape of popular music in Uganda that earned him a place among the country’s leading music artists. His band, The Ebonies, dominated the Ugandan music scene in the 1980s and 1990s.
Early childhood
Katumba was born to Reverend Blasio Katumba and Alice Nakyagaba. His music career started in the numerous church choirs to which he belonged. His father from one church to another. He attended eight schools including Makerere College School and Lubiri Secondary School.
Music
Katumba started his music career as an eight-year-old singer in Mukono church of Uganda where his father, the Rev. Blaiso Katumba, was a preacher. In 1977, he formed the Light Bearers, which he renamed Jimmy Katumba and the Ebonies. Popularly known for his baritone voice, Katumba became celebrated for songs like Twalina Omukwano, Drums of Africa and Fa Kukyolina. He left for the UK in 1990. He went to the United States in 1992 and returned in 1995.
Discography
- Atalina Kigere
- Congratulations
- Usiuwe Tembo – 1990
- Queen of Love – 1981